Name:	lnc_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnobservableInputInvestmentHoldingsMovementsCalls
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Represents decreases to the amount of certain investments for which net asset value per share is calculated (including by unit, membership interest, or other equity (ownership interest) unit measure) (alternative investments) due to maturities of investments during the period. The alternative investments represented by this item are subject to significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for purposes of measuring fair value.

No definition available.

Name:	lnc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetMaturities
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Represents the net increase or decrease to the amount of certain investments for which net asset value per share is calculated (including by unit, membership interest, or other equity (ownership interest) unit measure) (alternative investments) due to purchases, sales, issuances, or settlements during the period. The alternative investments represented by this item are subject to significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for purposes of measuring fair value.

No definition available.

Name:	lnc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesMaturitiesSettlementsCalls
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Issues that have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues
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- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlementsAbstract
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Sales that have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

Settlements that have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.